Afsaneh Aayani

is a Houston-based scenic designer, puppeteer, puppet maker, mask maker, voice actress, and artist with over 15 years of industry experience. She began her artistic journey in Iran where she developed her skills as a puppeteer and puppet maker, performed as a voice actor on television, and built her foundation as an artist. She completed her Bachelors in Puppetry from the Art University of Tehran and shortly thereafter performed in festivals internationally including in China, Poland, and Sri Lanka.

After building extensive experience in Iran, Afsaneh took a leap of faith and moved to the USA where she earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from the University of Houston in 2020. She has been engaged in exciting work around Houston including scenic design, costume design, props master, puppet and mask making, and puppet instructing. In the Spring of 2020, Afsaneh was awarded the USITT Scenic Design Award Sponsored by Rose Brand which recognized Afsaneh’s achievements and potential as a young scenic designer. Afsaneh continues to seek ways to express herself, her vision, and learn new things at every opportunity to create magic.